He also mentioned a recent spate of bullying incidents which, he said, would leave parents concerned the education system needed reform.

Conservative groups have long argued for a revision of the current law, saying pupils should learn national pride as Japan assumes a more active diplomatic and military role on the international stage.

The bill passed after the opposition boycotted the vote. It now goes to the upper house, where the government hopes to win approval before the current parliamentary session ends on 15 December.

According to the BBC's Tokyo correspondent, Chris Hogg, Japan has become a lot less cautious about patriotism than it used to be.

Seven years ago a piece of music that honours the emperor became the national anthem and the rising sun flag became the emblem of the Japanese state.

But the government would argue that the country¿s pacifist constitution is pre-eminent and that no-one has anything to fear from a more patriotic Japan.